Marble & Limestone

Marble has been formed by the crystallisation of sedimentary stones, such as limestone, through sustained heat or pressure. This harder form allows marble to take a high polish if required and the crystallised calcite allows light to penetrate slightly into the surface giving a lightness and a ‘life’ to marble that gives it an unrivalled beauty valued by homeowner and sculptors alike.

In its purest form marble is white and the beautiful veining and swirls of colour result from the presence of other minerals within the stone making them among the most desired options for designer features both domestically and commercially.

The geological composition that gives marble it’s unparalleled natural beauty also means that it is a relatively soft and porous stone. In high use areas such as kitchen or shop counters, the surface will etch and wear, building up a patina over time. Thorough sealing during the fabrication process and a commitment to extreme care will inhibit marking but will not prevent it. You may wish to consider a honed (matt) finish rather than a high polish to reduce the visual impact of this transition while your bench top builds up this patina.

This ‘wearing in’ is natural and adds to the character of the stone but is not for everyone. Make sure you understand the properties of marble and that it’s the right option for your lifestyle.

If you love the colour and effect of natural marble and want to protect the original look of the stone, technical advances have made it possible to add a topical layer to the stone to protect it from damage. We are pleased to be authorised applicators of Clearstone, a liquid glass type product. Our team would be happy to discuss this option with you.